How to set up a productive study space
A great study space will help you stay focused when studying from home.
If you’re about to start studying from home, one of the best ways to prepare is to set up a productive study space before you begin.
This will be your go-to spot for all of your coursework and study, so it needs to be comfortable and offer a supportive learning environment.
Not sure where to start? Here’s how to set up a productive study space in your home.
A quiet spot
One of the hardest parts of study is keeping your focus on the task at hand, which is why it’s important to try to find a quiet area where you can study.
Ideally, this would be away from the television or living area where family members or flatmates spend time hanging out – it can be far too tempting to join in their conversations or watch whatever’s on TV instead of studying!
Clear lighting
As you will be looking at a screen and reading for a lot of your study, you will need to have good lighting to ensure you can see well without harming your eyes.
Natural light is great, but a desk lamp or well-lit room as just as beneficial for helping you see clearly.
Keep in mind, you also don’t want to be squinting into bright light. This can happen if you’re facing a window, so consider either facing away or turning your desk and chair sideways to the window.
A good desk and chair
Your goal for a study space is to be comfortable – but not too comfortable.
You want to be able to sit down for a couple of hours at a time without getting uncomfortable enough that you have to move, but you also don’t want to feel like you’re lounging. If you are too comfy, you might struggle to focus.
Similarly, be sure to get out of your pajamas when you study! You don’t need to be in formal office attire, but the act of getting dressed can help you to get in the right mindset for study.
Study supplies
All we ask of our students is that they have a personal laptop or computer to work from. This is technically all you need, but you may wish to stock up on other items if it helps your study style.
This might include:
- A notepad or book
- Pens in different colours
- Highlighters
- A ruler
- Post-It notes
Snacks and drinks
Study is hard work, and while it’s best to get up and leave your desk for actual meals, you should also have something on hand at your desk.
A full drink bottle of water is a must, and a couple of pieces of fruit will help to keep you alert. Fruits like grapes or berries are great to nibble on throughout the day.
Of course, less healthy snacks like lollies and chips are always delicious, but keep them to a minimum!
Remove distractions
Remove any distractions from your study area to help you keep your focus where it needs to be.
This means everything from closing non-study tabs on your laptop such as Facebook or YouTube, turning your phone off or leaving it in another room, and even locking the cat out if you have to.
Even music can be a distraction, so switch it off or opt for calming background noise rather than music with lyrics.
Only use it for study
Finally – and importantly – only use your new study space to actually study.
If you start sitting there to watch Netflix, cut your nails, or chat to friends, you’ll quickly start blurring the lines between study and normal life. By only sitting there when you intend to study, you’ll help to get into the right mindset to focus on your course as soon as you sit down.
Do you have a study space ready? Are you looking to try distance learning with Study From Home? Get in touch to learn more about our courses and the qualifications you can earn from the comfort of your own home.
Study From Home – college@itc.co.nz 0800 TOURISM (0800 868747) or https://www.studyfromhome.co.nz/contact-us/
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